Ambassador Discusses President’s Steps to Restore Trust, Confidence in Government
Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez delivers his remarks at the 6th International Speaker Series held at the Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus on 16 April 2018.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 24 April 2018 – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez was the featured speaker in the 6th International Speaker Series at Howsmon Hall, Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) Manassas Campus on 16 April.
Addressing a capacity audience composed of students and faculty of International Business, Finance, and History of Western Civilization, among others, Ambassador Romualdez gave an overview on the transformation that is happening within the Philippines’ political, economic and social landscape.
Under politics and governance, the Ambassador briefed the audience on the Duterte Administration’s steps to restore the trust and confidence of the people in Government, eliminate corruption, improve delivery of public services, combat the scourge of illegal drugs, and shift towards federalism.
“Many consider a federal form of government to be more appropriate for a culturally diverse nation spread out on hundreds of islands. Most importantly, federalism is seen to deliver peace and development to the restive southern regions,” Ambassador Romualdez said.
He also unveiled the massive “Build Build Build” infrastructure plan, which is at the core of the Administration’s economic agenda.
“Infrastructure development is expected to distribute development more equitably and create more jobs,” he explained.
Ambassador Romualdez discussed other Philippine economic developments, particularly the tax reform program and ongoing consultations regarding a possible Free Trade Agreement with the United States.
The Ambassador also talked about how the Philippine Government is addressing the plight of overseas Filipino workers. He stressed the social costs associated with labor migration, including the absence of parental guidance in many families.
On Philippine foreign policy, Ambassador Romualdez told the audience that the Philippines seeks to be “a friend to all and enemy to none”. He highlighted US assistance in the liberation and reconstruction of Marawi City, as well as potentially intensifying cooperation in counterterrorism and counter-narcotics.
After his remarks, the Ambassador engaged in a no-holds-barred Q&A session with the students and faculty. He also held a meet-and-greet with the Provost of NVCC Manassas, Dr. Molly Lynch; Professor Frank J. Ferrara, Vice-Chair of the College Global Studies Committee of NVCC Manassas, and principal proponent and organizer of the International Speaker Series; deans and faculty members; students under the College’s honors program; and Mr. Dave Stegmaier, Director of Community Outreach in the office of Representative Barbara Comstock of the 10th District of Virginia.
The Northern Virginia Community College is the second largest community college in the United States with over 70,000 students and 800 faculty members across six campuses. Ambassador Romualdez is the first speaker from Asia to be featured in the International Speaker Series. END
Ambassador Romualdez answers questions from students and faculty during the Q&A session of the 6th International Speakers Series.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez with (from left) Mr. Dave Stegmaier, Director of Community Outreach in the office of Representative Barbara Comstock of the 10th District of Virginia; Provost of NVCC Manassas, Dr. Molly Lynch; and Professor Frank J. Ferrara, Vice-Chair of the College Global Studies Committee of NVCC Manassas at the 6th International Speakers Series.
For more information, visit www.washingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippineembassy-usa.org or https://www.facebook.com/philippinesusa @philippinesusa on Twitter.